Validation in London of a physical activity questionnaire for use in a study of postmenopausal osteopaenia.

Abstract

Study objective-To determine the validity of a self administered physical activity questionnaire to be used as part of a screening device for postmenopausal osteopaenia (with additional questions on medical history and calcium intake). Design-A questionnaire was posted to 86 perimenopausal women to enquire about weekly hours spent in non-sedentary activity at work, in the household, and during leisure hours. Subjects who returned the questioimaire were visited at home and asked to complete a four day activity diary and subsequently to undertake a submaximal estimate of VO2 MAX, carried out using a treadmill ergometer. They were interviewed to clarify questionnaire and diary entries. Questionnaire validity was assessed in comparison with the diary estimates of hours of activity and with V02 MAX.Participants-A total of 86 perimenopausal women aged 43-54 years were randomly selected from a GP list in Hammersmith, London. Thirty five women (41%) returned the questionnaire. They were visited at home, given the diary to complete, and invited to attend the physiology laboratory for VO2 MAX measurements. Twenty six of the 35 (74%) completed the study and were included in the final analysis. Main results-Women spent an average of 51 hours per week in non-sedentary activities. Questionnaire and diary yielded similar results (51.05 versus 51.30 h/wk), and there was a good correlation between diary and questionnaire estimates of total weekly hours ofnon-sedentary activity (r = 0.45, p<0.05). Other significant correlations were for standing (r=0.69, p<0.01), leisure activities (r= 0.66, p<0.01), and for light household activities (r = 0.42, p<0.05). Correlations were better for employed than non-employed subjects. In relation to the diary, the questionnaire correctly classified 60% into the top or bottom half of the distribution of activity.Sensitivity and specificity of the questionnaire were both equal to 61.5%. Conclusions-The questionnaire is useful for classifying subjects according to their level of activity, especially when administered in conjunction with an interview. The four day diary provided a useful reference measure and a focus for discussing activity patterns during an interview related to the questionnaire responses.

Correlation of Behaviors with Microbiological Changes in Vaginal Flora

“…We were able to show positive correlations between behaviors reported by the subject at the enrollment interview and in diary entries. Positive correlations between diary and interview data have been previously shown in a study of physical activity [18]. However, overall, our subjects reported fewer episodes of some behaviors in their diary than they said was their practice during the interview.…”

Corrigenda

“…Subsequently, current and lifetime physical activity (PA) was measured by a short (10-minute) postal questionnaire (prepaid reply envelope, sent up to 3 times) that included 1) the short last 7 days self-administered international PA questionnaire (IPAQ 2002, http://www.ipaq.ki.se/ipaq.htm ( 30 , 31 ) and (ii) a historical PA questionnaire ( 32 – 34 ). 86.5% completed PA questionnaires: those who did not respond had similar anthropometric characteristics to those who did (data not shown).…”

High Bone Mass is associated with bone-forming features of osteoarthritis in non-weight bearing joints independent of body mass index

“…Current and life-time physical activity (PA) was measured by postal questionnaire comprising (i) the short last 7 days International PA Questionnaire (IPAQ2002, http://www.ipaq.ki.se/ipaq.htm [33], [34]) and (ii) historical PA questionnaire [35], [36], [37]. 87.3% completed PA questionnaires: those who did not respond had similar anthropometric characteristics to those who did (Supplementary Table 1).…”

“…eConstructed using best available evidence, grading PA between 0 (no PA) & 24 (very high PA) [35], [36], [37].…”